For anyone who is reading this, thanks for sticking with us. We realize we have been neglecting the blog and failing to post regular videos on YouTube. But that is all going to change here in 2017 as Margaret and I have committed to prioritizing Return to Seasons and a number of other exciting projects we have in the works. What that means immediately is that you will see regular, weekly posts here on the blog, mainly coming from yours truly. And we – primarily Margaret – will be putting videos up on YouTube on a biweekly basis.
In this first post back, I wanted to catch you up on where we are at and what our plans are going forward. Currently, Bear is on the hard in Rock Hall, Maryland. We plan on taking her up to Maine this summer after spending a few weeks in the Elizabeth Islands, the Vineyard, and Nantucket during May and June. In order to jump start our summer, I will be heading out to Bear on April 1st and taking care of a long list of jobs. In early May, some friends and I will take Bear from Rock Hall to Newport to meet Margaret shortly after she finishes up her semester. And that will allow us to get a good 4-5 weeks in around the Cape before we turn out sights northward.
Margaret and Me at the Hemingway House in Key West over New Year’s
Over the longer term, we are looking forward to Margaret’s sabbatical, which should occur over the 2018-2019 school year. We are debating exactly where we want to cruise during her 16 month break. But wherever we end up going, we will need to make some additional, costly, and time-consuming upgrades to Bear. That means the work needs to be done over next winter, which is forcing us to plan for both the time and money that will involve. At the same time, we would really love to take the boat south next winter – sailing it south with crew and then having Margaret join the boat over her breaks – both so that we can explore Cuba, the Bahamas, and/or some other Caribbean destinations and so that we can do a longer ocean passage as a shakedown before the sabbatical. We will have to see how money, time, and our plans shake out over the next nine months or so.
Glad you see you back online and looking forward to your videos. For your Maine trip, there are so many cool places to go! From our trip up there last summer I’d have to say Perry creek in the Fox Island Thorofare on Vinehaven Island was our favorite stop and second would be Stonington ME. Would also love to see you guys up there this summer, but think we’re going to have to stay close to home. Safe travels.
Dave
Thanks for the tips, Dave. We will have to catch up with you before we head to Maine…perhaps in Cuttyhunk? Hope all is well.
Hopefully your upgrades doesn’t prevent you from following through with your plans. Best of luck to you. Look forward to seeing more of your sailing adventures.
We are at the point where the upgrades – windvane steering, especially – are what will enable us to follow through with our plans! Though you are right, we are being careful to think about what changes are actually necessary and what can wait. Thanks for following along!
We left from Gloucester and landed in Seal Bay at Vinylhaven a few years ago. It’s a great little place to tuck into. Sheltered and Wild. After we got bored watching the seals goof around and the eagles fly over, we found a wonderful trail in the back bay that leads to the road. When we put our thumbs out at the first passing truck, we were surprised and excited when the nice old man driving introduced himself as Mr. Dyer
You guys are gonna have a great time!
We are really looking forward to it, and your description only makes us more anxious to get up there! We will definitely keep Seal Bay in mind. Thanks for the tip.